Beetle Diversity

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 April 2022) | Viewed by 42829

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
Interests: palaeontology
Laboratory of Systematic Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
Interests: Coleoptera; Pselaphinae; Staphylinidae; biodiversity; amber; phylogeny

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Beetles (Coleoptera) are a textbook example of a megadiverse clade, with more than 380,000 known living species and upwards of 1.5 million awaiting description. Members of this clade display extraordinary morphological, taxonomic, and ecological diversity. Constituting nearly a quarter of extant animal diversity on our planet, beetles play indispensable roles in nearly all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Recent years have witnessed a rapid development of our understanding of the origin and evolution beetle diversity on Earth, especially owing to classic anatomical, taxonomical and systematic studies, comprehensive genome-scale molecular phylogenies, and exciting discoveries of exceptional beetle fossils from all over the world. This Special Issue of Insects welcomes a wide variety of articles on the anatomy, taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, ecology and paleontology of beetles (Coleoptera), with a focus on the origin and evolution of beetle biodiversity.

Prof. Dr. Chenyang Cai
Dr. Ziwei Yin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Coleoptera
  • biodiversity
  • morphology
  • systematic
  • phylogeny
  • evolution
  • fossil

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Research

9 pages, 4216 KiB  
Communication
Revisiting the Raractocetus Fossils from Mesozoic and Cenozoic Amber Deposits (Coleoptera: Lymexylidae)
by Yan-Da Li, David Peris, Shûhei Yamamoto, Yun Hsiao, Alfred F. Newton and Chen-Yang Cai
Insects 2022, 13(9), 768; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13090768 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1869
Abstract
The fossils once assigned to Raractocetus Kurosawa from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic amber deposits differ from extant Raractocetus in the longer elytra, the more strongly projecting metacoxae, and the hind wing with vein 2A forked. Thus, these fossils should be removed from Raractocetus [...] Read more.
The fossils once assigned to Raractocetus Kurosawa from the Mesozoic and Cenozoic amber deposits differ from extant Raractocetus in the longer elytra, the more strongly projecting metacoxae, and the hind wing with vein 2A forked. Thus, these fossils should be removed from Raractocetus. Cretoquadratus engeli Chen from Kachin amber appears to be conspecific with R. fossilis Yamamoto. As a result, R. fossilis and R. extinctus Yamamoto from Kachin amber, R. balticus Yamamoto from Baltic amber, and R. sverlilo Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto from Rovno amber are transferred to Cretoquadratus Chen, as C. fossilis (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. extinctus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., C. balticus (Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. sverlilo (Nazarenko, Perkovsky & Yamamoto) comb. nov., and C. engeli syn. nov. is suggested to be a junior synonym of C. fossilis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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7 pages, 1502 KiB  
Communication
Discovery of the Genus Anapleus Horn, 1873 from Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
by Rixin Jiang, Michael S. Caterino and Xiangsheng Chen
Insects 2022, 13(8), 746; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13080746 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1391
Abstract
For the first time, an extant histerid genus Anapleus Horn, 1873 is described from a specimen found in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Anapleus kachinensis sp. nov. Although the genus Anapleus has not been precisely defined by synapomorphies, the new species shares numerous features with [...] Read more.
For the first time, an extant histerid genus Anapleus Horn, 1873 is described from a specimen found in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Anapleus kachinensis sp. nov. Although the genus Anapleus has not been precisely defined by synapomorphies, the new species shares numerous features with extant species while differing in comparatively few external characteristics. Anapleus kachinensis represents the first record of an extant histerid genus from Cretaceous deposits and provides further evidence of the ancient origin of the genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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33 pages, 22715 KiB  
Article
First Phylogeny of Pseudolychnuris Reveals Its Polyphyly and a Staggering Case of Convergence at the Andean Paramos (Lampyridae: Lampyrini)
by Angie Gisseth Ladino Peñuela, Juan Pablo Botero and Luiz Felipe Lima da Silveira
Insects 2022, 13(8), 697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13080697 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2034
Abstract
South America is likely the cradle of several New World firefly lineages but remains largely understudied. Despite several advances in firefly systematics in the Neotropical region, the Andean region has been largely unstudied for over a century. The Colombian Páramos are a critically [...] Read more.
South America is likely the cradle of several New World firefly lineages but remains largely understudied. Despite several advances in firefly systematics in the Neotropical region, the Andean region has been largely unstudied for over a century. The Colombian Páramos are a critically threatened biodiversity hotspot that houses several endemic species, including the firefly genus Pseudolychnuris, with two species—P. vittata and P. suturalis. Here, by analyzing the phylogenetic relationships of Pseudolychnuris, we found that this genus is polyphyletic. Pseudolychnuris vittata and P. suturalis were found to be distantly related despite the striking similarity in outline and color pattern of males and females. We redescribe Pseudolychnuris and its type species P. vittata. Moreover, we revalidate Alychnus Kirsch, 1865 stat. rev. to accommodate A. suturaliscomb. nov., also redescribed here. We provide updated distribution maps and report field observations for both monotypic genera. Since adults visit flowers and interact with pollen and nectar, Pseudolychnuris and Alychnus may be occasional pollinators of Andean-endemic plants, a phenomenon previously neglected. Our findings reveal an interesting case of convergence between Pseudolychnuris and Alychnus—probably associated with life in the Páramos—and shed light on character evolution in the Photinini lineage of fireflies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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9 pages, 2632 KiB  
Communication
A New Subgenus and Species of Priochirus from Mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Osoriinae)
by Yuan Peng, Rixin Jiang, Chao Shi, Xiaoxuan Long, Michael S. Engel and Shuo Wang
Insects 2022, 13(6), 513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13060513 - 30 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1682
Abstract
As one of the largest families of beetles (Coleoptera), the Staphylinidae (rove beetles and their relatives) are rich not only in extant species but also in a comparatively robust fossil record. Despite this preponderance of available fossil material, fossils of the diverse subfamily [...] Read more.
As one of the largest families of beetles (Coleoptera), the Staphylinidae (rove beetles and their relatives) are rich not only in extant species but also in a comparatively robust fossil record. Despite this preponderance of available fossil material, fossils of the diverse subfamily Osoriinae remain rare. Here, we describe a new ososriine species, Priochirus trisclerite sp. nov., from the mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. The new specimen is similar to the only other definitive fossil of the genus, Priochirus thayerae Yamamoto 2019, and both are placed in the extinct subgenus Eopriochirus subgen. nov. The new species differs noticeably in a number of morphological details in relation to the submentum, gular sutures and protibial crenulae. The new fossil provides further evidence for understanding the radiation of staphylinoid beetles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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18 pages, 4768 KiB  
Communication
A Taxonomic Study on the Genus Naddia from China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae) with Descriptions of Two New Species
by Mei-Hua Xia, Liang Tang and Harald Schillhammer
Insects 2022, 13(6), 503; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13060503 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1706
Abstract
Two new species of Naddia from China are described: N. chenchangchini sp. nov. (Guangxi) and N. hujiayaoi sp. nov. (Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong). Naddia atripes Bernhauer, 1939 is new to Vietnam and the following Chinese provinces: Jiangxi, Guangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Hunan, [...] Read more.
Two new species of Naddia from China are described: N. chenchangchini sp. nov. (Guangxi) and N. hujiayaoi sp. nov. (Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong). Naddia atripes Bernhauer, 1939 is new to Vietnam and the following Chinese provinces: Jiangxi, Guangxi, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Guizhou, Fujian and Guangdong. Naddia chinensis Bernhauer, 1929 is new to Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guizhou, Henan, Hunan, Shaanxi, Fujian, Chongqing, Guangxi and Hubei. Naddia miniata Fauvel, 1895 is new to Laos. A key to Chinese species of the genus is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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14 pages, 80170 KiB  
Communication
Review of the Korean Species of the Genus Edaphus Motschulsky (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) with Description of Four New Species
by Ui-Joung Byeon, Sun-Jae Park, Seung-Gyu Lee and Jong-Seok Park
Insects 2022, 13(4), 362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13040362 - 07 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2033
Abstract
The cosmopolitan euaesthetine genus, Edaphus Motschulsky, 1857, with about 90 Palaearctic species, was formerly known by a single species, E. koreanus Puthz, 2011, of which 2 specimens were collected in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In this paper, the knowledge of [...] Read more.
The cosmopolitan euaesthetine genus, Edaphus Motschulsky, 1857, with about 90 Palaearctic species, was formerly known by a single species, E. koreanus Puthz, 2011, of which 2 specimens were collected in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. In this paper, the knowledge of the Korean Edaphus fauna is expanded to include six species, including four described here based on a rich material collected in recent years. A key to all six species of Korean Edaphus, illustration of the habitus and diagnostic characters, and a distribution map are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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25 pages, 5351 KiB  
Article
New Data on the Occurrence of Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) in Montenegro
by Adam Byk, Marek Bidas, Tomasz Gazurek, Dawid Marczak, Łukasz Minkina and Sebastian Tylkowski
Insects 2022, 13(4), 352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13040352 - 01 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4491
Abstract
The Montenegrin fauna of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea is not satisfactorily studied. This is evidenced by the small number of species from this superfamily reported from Montenegro, despite the richness of the country’s habitats, especially high-mountain meadows, pastures, lush canyons, riverside, coastal dunes and [...] Read more.
The Montenegrin fauna of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea is not satisfactorily studied. This is evidenced by the small number of species from this superfamily reported from Montenegro, despite the richness of the country’s habitats, especially high-mountain meadows, pastures, lush canyons, riverside, coastal dunes and old forests. Moreover, significant is the greater number of species of scarabaeoid beetles in neighbouring countries. Therefore, we aim to supplement the current information on the distribution of the taxa of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea in the country. The presented scarabaeoid beetles were caught during three expeditions: the first in May/June 2019, the second in May/June 2021, and the third in July 2021. As a result of this study, we have collected 2130 beetles belonging to 107 species and five families of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea: Geotrupidae, Trogidae, Lucanidae, Ochodaeidae and Scarabaeidae. The 28 days of the faunistic study confirmed the occurrence in Montenegro of 54.2% of the scarabaeoid species hitherto known from this country and added 16 new species that had not been previously recorded: Odonteus armiger (Scopoli, 1772), Trox sabulosus (Linnaeus, 1758), Ochodaeus integriceps Semenov, 1891, Agrilinus convexus (Erichson, 1848), Melinopterus reyi (Reitter, 1892), M. sphacelatus (Panzer, 1798), Phalacronothus biguttatus (Germar, 1824), Trichonotulus scrofa (Fabricius, 1787), Psammodius nocturnus Reitter, 1892, Platytomus tibialis (Fabricius, 1798), Pleurophorus mediterranicus Pittino & Mariani, 1986, P. pannonicus Petrovitz, 1961, Rhyssemus berytensis Marseul, 1878, Onthophagus ovatus (Linnaeus, 1767), Rhizotrogus aestivus (Olivier, 1789) and Chaetopteroplia segetum (Herbst, 1783). Six species and three subspecies that are typical for the Balkan Peninsula were also found: Trypocopris alpinus balcanicola (Mikšić, 1954), Onthophagus panici Petrovitz, 1964, Amphimallon solstitiale simplicissimum (Müller, 1902), Omaloplia illyrica (Baraud, 1965), Triodontella dalmatica (Baraud, 1962), Chaetopteroplia segetum straminea (Brullé, 1832), Anomala matzenaueri Reitter, 1918, Exomala adriatica (Petrovitz, 1968) and Oxythyrea dulcis Reitter, 1899. Thus, the number of currently known scarabaeoid species in Montenegro has increased to 184. Twenty-four species of scarabaeoid beetles are illustrated. Our results indicate insufficient knowledge of the Scarabaeoidea of Montenegro and, at the same time, their diversity and the presence of rare species among them. High-mountain and coastal communities of coprophagic scarabaeoid beetles, as well as communities of scarabaeoid beetles inhabiting coastal dunes, are especially valuable, worthy of protection. Therefore, further research and new expeditions to Montenegro are highly desirable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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9 pages, 1438 KiB  
Communication
Prolucanus beipiaoensis gen. et sp. nov.: The First Fossil Species of Lucaninae (Coleoptera: Lucanidae) from the Early Cretaceous of Northeastern China
by Zhi-Hao Qi, Erik Tihelka, Chen-Yang Cai, Hai-Tian Song and Hong-Mu Ai
Insects 2022, 13(3), 272; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13030272 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
A new stag beetle fossil is described from the Yixian Formation in northeastern China. A new genus is established based on this well-preserved specimen. Prolucanus beipiaoensis gen. et sp. nov. is firmly placed in the extant lucanid subfamily Lucaninae based on its [...] Read more.
A new stag beetle fossil is described from the Yixian Formation in northeastern China. A new genus is established based on this well-preserved specimen. Prolucanus beipiaoensis gen. et sp. nov. is firmly placed in the extant lucanid subfamily Lucaninae based on its broad prosternal process and geniculate antennae. Our discovery represents the first fossil record of Lucaninae from the Late Mesozoic of China and the oldest reliable record belonging to the subfamily. We also summarize the fossil species of stag beetles found in China and the described fossil species of the subfamily Lucaninae found in the world. A key to all fossil genera of Lucanidae from China is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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9 pages, 1381 KiB  
Communication
Two New Species of Batrisini (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from Nanling Mountain Area, China
by Wen-Xuan Zhang and Zi-Wei Yin
Insects 2022, 13(2), 119; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13020119 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
Two new species of the Batrisocenus complex of genera, e.g., Batrisceniola nanlingensis sp. nov. and Physomerinus clavipes sp. nov., are described, diagnosed, and illustrated from the Nanling Mountain Area. Both represent a second species of the respective genus from the Chinese mainland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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16 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
A Mitochondrial Genome Phylogeny of Cleridae (Coleoptera, Cleroidea)
by Lilan Yuan, Haoyu Liu, Xueying Ge, Ganyan Yang, Guanglin Xie and Yuxia Yang
Insects 2022, 13(2), 118; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13020118 - 24 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2880
Abstract
The predaceous beetle family Cleridae includes a large and widely distributed rapid radiation, which is vital for the ecosystem. Despite its important role, a number of problems remain to be solved regarding the phylogenetic inter-relationships, the timing of divergence, and the mitochondrial biology. [...] Read more.
The predaceous beetle family Cleridae includes a large and widely distributed rapid radiation, which is vital for the ecosystem. Despite its important role, a number of problems remain to be solved regarding the phylogenetic inter-relationships, the timing of divergence, and the mitochondrial biology. Mitochondrial genomes have been widely used to reconstruct phylogenies of various insect groups, but never introduced to Cleridae until now. Here, we generated 18 mitochondrial genomes to address these issues, which are all novel to the family. In addition to phylogenomic analysis, we have leveraged our new sources to study the mitochondrial biology in terms of nucleotide composition, codon usage and substitutional rate, to understand how these vital cellular components may have contributed to the divergence of the Cleridae. Our results recovered Korynetinae sister to the remaining clerids, and the calde of Clerinae+Hydnocerinae is indicated more related to Tillinae. A time-calibrated phylogeny estimated the earliest divergence time of Cleridae was soon after the origin of the family, not later than 160.18 Mya (95% HPD: 158.18–162.07 Mya) during the mid-Jurassic. This is the first mitochondrial genome-based phylogenetic study of the Cleridae that covers nearly all subfamily members, which provides an alternative evidence for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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13 pages, 3353 KiB  
Communication
Three New Species and One New Record of Hesperoschema (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from China
by Yujie Cai and Liang Tang
Insects 2022, 13(1), 60; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13010060 - 05 Jan 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2076
Abstract
Three new species: Hesperoschema xuwangi sp. nov. from China (Sichuan), H. bii sp. nov. from China (Xizang), and H. sinicum sp. nov. from China (Guangxi) are described. Hesperoschema malaisei Scheerpeltz, 1965 is new to China (Yunnan), with the male discovered for the first [...] Read more.
Three new species: Hesperoschema xuwangi sp. nov. from China (Sichuan), H. bii sp. nov. from China (Xizang), and H. sinicum sp. nov. from China (Guangxi) are described. Hesperoschema malaisei Scheerpeltz, 1965 is new to China (Yunnan), with the male discovered for the first time. The female of H. opacum Schillhammer, 2009 is discovered for the first time. Habitus and diagnostic characteristics of the species treated in this paper were photographed, and a key to species of Hesperoschema Scheerpeltz, 1965 is updated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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15 pages, 2435 KiB  
Article
Ultrastructure of the Sensilla on the Antennae and Mouthparts of Bean Weevils, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchinae)
by Siyu Chen, You Li, Fangling Xu, Maofa Yang, Xiurong Wang and Chengxu Wu
Insects 2021, 12(12), 1112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12121112 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2694
Abstract
Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) is an important pest that damages the seeds of Gleditsia L. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). This beetle searches for host plants with its sensory system. To further explore the mechanisms of host location and to understand the ultrastructure of [...] Read more.
Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) is an important pest that damages the seeds of Gleditsia L. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). This beetle searches for host plants with its sensory system. To further explore the mechanisms of host location and to understand the ultrastructure of M. dorsalis, we examined the morphology and distribution of its sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of male and female adults, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both male and female antennae are serrated and can be divided into scape, pedicel, and flagellum. There were seven types and eight subtypes of antennal sensilla, including Bőhm bristles (BB), two subtypes of sensilla trichoid (ST1, ST2), two subtypes of sensilla chaetica (SC1, SC2), four subtypes of sensilla basiconic (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4), sensilla cavity (SCa), sensilla auricillica (SA), and sensilla gemmiformium (SG). Five types of maxillary and labial palp sensilla in the mouthparts were observed: sensilla chaetica (SC), sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla styloconica (SSt), sensilla coeloconica (SCo), and sensilla digitiform (SD). No sexual dimorphism in sensilla type was observed, but there were variations between males and females in the numbers and distribution along the antennae. There were more SA in males than in females, while the number of ST sensilla in the maxillary palps were lower in males than in females. ST1 were most abundant in both sexes. We discussed potential function related to structure via comparisons with previous investigations of bruchids and other insects. Our results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on sensory physiological function, using semiochemicals as effective biological controls of M. dorsalis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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21 pages, 15167 KiB  
Article
Ovary Structure and Oogenesis of Trypophloeus klimeschi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
by Jing Gao, Jiaxing Wang and Hui Chen
Insects 2021, 12(12), 1099; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12121099 - 08 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2929
Abstract
The female reproductive system, ovary structure and ultrastructure of Trypophloeus klimeschi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) were investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Its female reproductive system is comprised of two ovaries (each ovary has two ovarioles), lateral oviducts, common [...] Read more.
The female reproductive system, ovary structure and ultrastructure of Trypophloeus klimeschi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) were investigated using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Its female reproductive system is comprised of two ovaries (each ovary has two ovarioles), lateral oviducts, common oviduct, spermathecal sac, spermathecal pump, two accessory glands and bursa copulatrix. Well-developed endoplasmic reticulum can be clearly seen in the secretory cells of spermathecal sac. This species has telotrophic meroistic ovarioles that are comprised of terminal filament, tropharium, vitellarium and pedicel. The terminal filaments are simple; each is comprised of cellular peritoneal sheath. The presence of several clusters of nurse cells in the tropharium is indicative that its ovarioles conform to the transition stage. This indicates that there are at least two different types (transition stage and secondary stage) of ovarioles in Curculionidae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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19 pages, 4083 KiB  
Article
The Adult, Larva, and Pupa of a New Pseudopyrochroa (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae) from China, with Molecular Phylogenetic Inferences
by Zhao Pan, Jia-Chong Duan, Qi Gao and Daniel K. Young
Insects 2021, 12(12), 1089; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12121089 - 04 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2957
Abstract
A new species of Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906, P. reni Pan & Young, n. sp., is described from the western region of Mt. Qinling, China. Larvae, pupae, and adults were associated using molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA COI barcode sequences. All three [...] Read more.
A new species of Pseudopyrochroa Pic, 1906, P. reni Pan & Young, n. sp., is described from the western region of Mt. Qinling, China. Larvae, pupae, and adults were associated using molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mtDNA COI barcode sequences. All three stages are described and illustrated. Additionally, preliminary phylogenetic relationships among five genera and 14 species of Pyrochroidae, including Pseudopyrochroa, are hypothesized based on COI sequence data. The fauna of Pyrochroidae from the Mt. Qinling biodiversity conservation area is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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11 pages, 2287 KiB  
Article
A New Genus and Species of Lophocateridae from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Myanmar (Coleoptera)
by Ya-Li Yu, Yan-Da Li, Jiří Kolibáč, Adam Ślipiński, Dong Ren, Hong Pang and Zhi-Qiang Li
Insects 2021, 12(12), 1052; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12121052 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1779
Abstract
A new genus and species of the cleroid family Lophocateridae are described and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar. Gracilenticrus burmiticus Yu, Kolibáč & Ślipiński gen. et sp. nov. is unique among Lophocateridae in the tiny body size, frontoclypeal suture and [...] Read more.
A new genus and species of the cleroid family Lophocateridae are described and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar. Gracilenticrus burmiticus Yu, Kolibáč & Ślipiński gen. et sp. nov. is unique among Lophocateridae in the tiny body size, frontoclypeal suture and antennal grooves absent, symmetrical antennal clubs, protrochantin reduced, tarsal claws small and widened at base. A key to the species of Mesozoic Lophocateridae is also provided. Morphological characters of the newly discovered Gracilenticrus were analyzed together with representatives of 43 extant genera of Cleroidea (broadly defined Trogossitidae) in a matrix of 91 characters. Gracilenticrus burmiticus was resolved as a member of Lophocateridae. The discovery of a diverse fauna of Lophocateridae in the mid-Cretaceous sheds a new light on the early evolution of superfamily Cleroidea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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8 pages, 1567 KiB  
Communication
The First Record of Teredidae (Coleoptera, Coccinelloidea) from China, with Description of a New Species of Teredus Dejean, 1835
by Zhenhua Liu, Wei Lin and Zhiqiang Li
Insects 2021, 12(11), 1028; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12111028 - 15 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2001
Abstract
Teredus Dejean is a genus of the poorly known family Teredidae, which, historically, includes only two species, restricted to Europe and North Africa. Teredus chinensis sp. nov. is here described, representing the first member of Teredidae found in China, which significantly extends the [...] Read more.
Teredus Dejean is a genus of the poorly known family Teredidae, which, historically, includes only two species, restricted to Europe and North Africa. Teredus chinensis sp. nov. is here described, representing the first member of Teredidae found in China, which significantly extends the distribution of Teredus to East Asia. The diagnostic characters and information about the wood boring beetles associated with the new species are provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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Article
The First Eight Mitogenomes of Leaf-Mining Dactylispa Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) Shed New Light on Subgenus Relationships
by Shengdi Zhang, Lukáš Sekerka, Chengqing Liao, Chengpeng Long, Jiasheng Xu, Xiaohua Dai and Qingyun Guo
Insects 2021, 12(11), 1005; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12111005 - 08 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2306
Abstract
The taxonomic classification of Dactylispa, a large genus of leaf-mining beetles, is problematic because it is currently based on morphology alone. Here, the first eight mitochondrial genomes of Dactylispa species, which were used to construct the first molecular phylogenies of this genus, [...] Read more.
The taxonomic classification of Dactylispa, a large genus of leaf-mining beetles, is problematic because it is currently based on morphology alone. Here, the first eight mitochondrial genomes of Dactylispa species, which were used to construct the first molecular phylogenies of this genus, are reported. The lengths of the eight mitogenomes range from 17,189 bp to 20,363 bp. All of the mitochondrial genomes include 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 1 A + T-rich region. According to the nonsynonymous/synonymous mutation ratio (Ka/Ks) of all PCGs, the highest and the lowest evolutionary rates were found for atp8 and cox1, respectively, which is a common phenomenon among animals. According to relative synonymous codon usage, UUA(L) has the highest frequency. With two Gonophorini species as the outgroup, mitogenome-based phylogenetic trees of the eight Dactylispa species were constructed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods based on the PCGs, tRNAs, and rRNAs. Two DNA-based phylogenomic inferences and one protein-based phylogenomic inference support the delimitation of the subgenera Dactylispa s. str. and Platypriella as proposed in the system of Chen et al. (1986). However, the subgenus Triplispa is not recovered as monophyletic. The placement of Triplispa species requires further verification and testing with more species. We also found that both adult body shape and host plant relationship might explain the subgeneric relationships among Dactylispa beetles to a certain degree. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetle Diversity)
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